Show notes
🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers sits down with Nikesha Elise Williams to discuss her debut novel, the power of storytelling, and the healing work of historical fiction.
In this episode, Nikesha shares her publishing journey, her approach to writing generational trauma, and how spirituality, obedience, and creativity shape her work. We explore character development, identity, journalism, and the role of storytelling as both craft and calling.
From historical fiction to future genre explorations, this conversation highlights the impact of Black literature, representation, and building a meaningful literary ecosystem.
✨ Perfect for readers and writers who love historical fiction, Black authors, and conversations about creativity, healing, and storytelling.
⏱ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction & guest intro
01:12 – Book tour experience & reception
02:53 – The impact of historical fiction
06:12 – Generational trauma in literature
09:43 – Character development & perspectives
13:53 – The evolution of the story
19:10 – The role of women in society
19:31 – Journalism & storytelling
25:14 – Journalism vs content creation
26:21 – Character development deep dive
27:32 – Access, identity & themes
29:24 – Literature & understanding passing
31:19 – Book covers & marketing
35:18 – Writing as a coping mechanism
38:32 – Spirituality of creation
41:01 – Podcasting & community
47:21 – Future writing projects
49:33 – Satire & sci-fi exploration
50:59 – Representation in storytelling
51:59 – Reading slumps & discoveries
53:25 – Audiobooks & celebrity narrators
54:29 – Cultural reflections on Florida
57:22 – This or That (fun segment)
59:59 – Fantasy worlds & time periods
01:03:45 – Socials & closing thoughts
📚 Books & Topics Mentioned:
The Seven Daughter of Dupree
Passing
Personal Librarian
All We Were Promised
Inharmonious
Yellow Wife
Kitty Carr
The Vanishing Half
The Wedding
Trinity
Coleman Hill
Good Woman
Kin
A Lesson Before Dying
Judge Stone
Blood at the Root
Children of Blood and Bone
Women's Longlist: https://womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-fiction/
💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:
📸🎧https://beacons.ai/tloer
📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com
📱Follow us on socials:
IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders
Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae
Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub
Nikesha Williams IG: @nikesha_elise
Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/
🪩 Church Announcements:
March Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-salt-eaters-toni-cade-bambara/16131820da64c6bc?ean=9780679740766&next=t
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